Q&A With Tom Ryan

Terrier radio analyst Tom Ryan was co-captain—with current BU assistant head coach David Quinn—of BU’s 1987-88 team. Before arriving at BU, he starred at Newton North High School and this past season he returned to his high school alma mater as head coach. Now in his 16th season as Bernie Corbett’s partner on BU broadcasts, Ryan, a Pittsburgh Penguins draft choice, answered our questions in the latest THFB guest Q&A interview.

Q How has the level and/or style of play changed in Hockey East since you played for BU in the late 1980s?
A As far as the style of play, it was much more of a free wheeling game in the 80's .I think the coaching is so much better now from top to bottom with the advent of film study as well as the different defensive systems . Teams really focus on center ice play and transition as opposed to creating offense on forecheck and odd man rushes, which we used to see more often during the course of a game. I personally enjoyed playing and watching the game in the 80's compared to today’s game, but that's just my opinion. MORE